Bell's Palsy

[BaiyaGrammyS]

I was diagnosed with BP Mother's Day weekend, 2006. I was unable to close my left eye for five months, although I was blessed that I could close it at night to go to sleep. I just could not 'blink'. I took prednisone ....two rounds and also one orund of Valtrex. To look at me, you would never know that I had Bell's, but I know it. I can 'feel' the weakness around my eye, especially when I am chewing. I notice it a lot when talking, or moving my mouth in any way. I notice it more when I am tired or stressed...or upset and nervous. Has anyone had problems with the weakness of the eyelid after BP? My doctor told me if it had not gone away in a year, I would always have it. Hey...I am just so thankful right now that it is not any worse than it has been! Let me know if you have tried anything to help with this muscle weakness. I am interested in nerve therapy and possibly accupuncture.

Thanks. Hang in there.

[sweet peach]

Yes, I had BP 4 years ago, and still deal with eye weakness, watery eye. Mine is brought on by stress.
Im learning to live with it. There is a treament, but I pass.... botox in the tear nerve... no way!

[BaiyaGrammyS]

Thank you for your reply, Sweet Peach. How did you find out about the botox in the tear nerve? I might be interested in finding out more about this.

I do agree that stress is a major contributing factor in the Bell's and the lasting results it has had on me. I remember when the doctor first examined me and said it would take about six months for it to go away and I thought that was just horrible! Here it is, four years later and I am wishing I had the six month diagnosis back rather than the "you will have this the rest of your life" results I received later on.

I still feel there has to be a cure for this. If anyone finds out help for BP, please let everyone know.

[sweet peach]

Bells Palsy can leave weekness with the entire side of the face, that drooped. Right after my bells palsy , my smile was crooked, and my eye and face were weak. I am stronger now, but the eye only looks weak when stressed.

Watery eye has different names depending on who you ask & where you get your information : Crocodile tear Syndrome, Gustatory lacrimation, psychic tears, ( stress related) and a few other unusual names. If you google these terms under bells palsy you will see that studies have been done with botox shots. Im not a fan of botox, so I passed after reading.

I used to be able to handle high amounts of stress, then bells pasly hit, and no more. Even though I am 99% recovered, my eye can water from the tinyest of stressors, that really arent very stressful : example : stressing about getting home in time, to meet a dinner party. Poof: my eye waters. The kids are whining : Poof , my eyes water, The bank acct is low: Poof, my eye waters. So yes, stress finally took its toll on me and now I pay for it. So, I have realized I need to keep my life stress free, and I do. It was a total lifestyle change. Had to get the husband to be more dominant and control the kids, and any high stressors I couldnt handle. Now its much better for me. So I try not to worry as much.

When I do have those stressful days, I tend to put a little stronger eyeliner & a brush of shadow on so my eye isnt droopy looking, then I get away from my stressor... whatever it is.